Mariano Mayer

Mariano Mayer is an Argentine venture capitalist, entrepreneurship policy leader, and ecosystem builder. He is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Newtopia VC, an early-stage venture capital firm investing in pre-seed and seed technology startups across Latin America, and President of ARCAP (the Argentine Private Equity, Venture Capital and Seed Capital Association), where he works to strengthen the region's venture capital ecosystem and expand access to entrepreneurial finance.

Prior to returning to the private sector, Mayer served as Secretary of Entrepreneurs and SMEs in Argentina's Ministry of Production (2015–2019), where he led the country's national entrepreneurship agenda. During his tenure, he spearheaded landmark reforms including the Entrepreneurs' Law (Ley de Emprendedores), which introduced the Simplified Corporation (SAS), expanded access to entrepreneurial finance, and strengthened the country's support infrastructure for startups. Under his leadership, Argentina became an international reference for entrepreneurship policy and played an active role in Startup Nations, the Global Entrepreneurship Network's community of policymakers. He was previously Head of the General Direction of Entrepreneurship of Buenos Aires City Government.

Beyond public service, Mayer has built a career spanning entrepreneurship, investment, and ecosystem development. He has been a founder, startup advisor, investor, and board member, working with entrepreneurs, venture funds, corporations, universities, and governments across Latin America. Through ARCAP and other regional initiatives, he continues to advocate for stronger venture capital markets, regulatory modernization, and greater integration of Latin America's innovation ecosystems with global investment networks.

A frequent speaker at international forums, Mayer has participated in the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, Startup Nations Ministerials, and numerous conferences on innovation, venture capital, and public policy. His work focuses on creating the conditions that enable entrepreneurs and investors to build and scale globally competitive companies.